Netherlands
Thursday 3 July 2008
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The Netherlands (©KNVB)
The Netherlands were pioneers of the international game - staging the first FIFA Futsal World Cup in 1989 and reaching the final - so it is appropriate that they will compete in the inaugural UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament.
Qualifying
Things did not necessarily bode well for the Netherlands in the 2007 St Petersburg Autumn tournament last December when they lost to Russia, Iran, Italy and Slovenia, beating only Moldova, but they warmed up well for qualifying with 10-2 and 4-0 friendly defeats of Greece and a 6-1 win in Belgium. In the preliminaries themselves in April they sailed through, beating the Republic of Ireland 6-2, Azerbaijan 8-2 and group hosts Andorra 8-1.
Senior achievements
At senior level the Netherlands first played an international in 1977, losing 7-2 in Belgium, and were soon established as one of the top teams in the early days of the game, finishing second, fourth and third in unofficial world tournaments held between 1986 and 1987. In the 1989 World Cup the hosts were only beaten 2-1 in the final by Brazil, and made the 1992, 1996 and 2000 second group stages. Their best performance in the UEFA European Futsal Championship was fourth place in 1999; they last qualified in 2005. The senior team are coached by the internationally-known Vic Hermans, player of the tournament in the 1989 World Cup.
Key players
Najib El Allouchi of Belgian side FP Houthalen-Genk is the inspirational captain of the team, while ZVV Veerhuys player Sofian El Adel struck a competition-leading eight goals in qualifying. Other players to watch are Mohammed Attaibi, Mohamed Allouch, Roy Huisman and Amir Molkarai while Pieter Grimmelius keeps goal.
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